Safe Harbor Stands with Black Lives

Safe Harbor Voice  |  July 15, 2020
Safe Harbor Stands with Black Lives

Safe Harbor stands with citizens throughout our communities who demand justice in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless other victims of racial violence and discrimination. We recognize that the roots of violence that cause domestic abuse are the same roots that lead to racism, discrimination, hate crimes and many other forms of injustice and oppression. Racism and domestic violence intersect in the lives of many Black women, leading to increased trauma and barriers to seeking support. Homicide at the hands of an intimate partner is the leading cause of premature death among African American women ages 15-44. Black women are murdered by men at more than twice the rate of white women. South Carolina consistently ranks among the top 10 states in the nation for women killed by men annually, with African American women experiencing a disproportionately high rate of lethal violence.

We must speak up against the racial biases that infect the hearts of individuals, institutions and systems, ultimately leading to discrimination and danger in the lives of people of color. We believe it is our responsibility as an organization to work, together with other community partners, to shed light on racial injustice, demand better from ourselves and others, and listen to and learn from the voices and lived experiences of BIPOC.

At Safe Harbor, we are striving to create a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. In 2018, we launched efforts to build an organizational culture of diversity and inclusion. Our staff have developed working groups to bring a lens of diversity, equity and inclusion into all areas of our mission and services, including outreach, fundraising, recruitment, internal staff culture, service delivery and accessibility. In August, we will have the opportunity to receive training and consultation on Becoming an Anti-Racist, Multicultural Organization from the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence. We look forward to learning and taking next steps toward becoming an anti-racist, multicultural organization in all aspects of our work. 

Safe Harbor continues to listen and grow together with a spirit of humility and commitment. We know that we still have much to learn and steps to take as individuals and as an organization. We understand that developing a culture of inclusion and anti-racism is an ongoing, lifelong process and essential to Safe Harbor's vision to influence a culture where all people feel safe and valued.

 Learn more about how domestic violence disproportionately affects people of color and other marginalized groups, as well as what you can do.  

I am a survivor of domestic abuse.


“I didn’t know that I was being abused because...

I am a survivor of domestic abuse.


“I didn’t know that I was being abused because my definition of abuse looked different. My husband pushed me, but most of my suffering was verbal and psychological. I left my husband to protect our young daughter. Almost immediately I felt the weight of his oppression begin to lift. I could see a difference in my daughter as well. Then he broke into my home and assaulted me in-front of her.

I sought help and was led to Safe Harbor. My daughter and I are in counseling now. I am sorting out the mess that abuse has caused. I am finding my voice and seeking opportunities to grow and better my life as well as my daughter's. She will gauge her self-worth from my own self-worth. I must show her that she deserves the best, by expecting the best for myself.

Many years I suffered in silence. By telling my story and being honest with friends and family, I am taking control of my life again.”

- Beth

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When you give to Safe Harbor, 82 cents of every dollar goes directly to our intervention services and prevention initiatives to break the cycle of domestic abuse in the Upstate of South Carolina. 

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We are available to provide domestic abuse education and information about Safe Harbor’s services through speaking engagements, trainings, workshops and awareness campaigns.

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Safe Harbor Resale Shop operates solely on donations from our generous community. Donations are tax deductible and make a difference in the lives of our clients.  

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